5 Steps You Need to Take if Your Car Is Damaged by Weather
When drivers are concerned about car damage, the concern is usually directed at other drivers or objects on the road, but there is one hazard that is often overlooked; Storm.
Every day across America, cars are damaged by floods, hail damage, windblown objects and more. According to the Kelley Blue Book, if you are a victim of weather damage, there are important steps you should take to ensure you can get your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible and without delay. Here are five steps to take if your grooming is damaged by the weather.
Call your health insurance company right away
When a vehicle is damaged, the vehicle owner is often busy dealing with damage to other property as well. KBB’s first step is to call an insurance company to report a vehicle damage. For the most comprehensive coverage possible, the damage must be reported to an insurance company as soon as possible, in addition to an accurate damage report.
Not only can the insurance companies help you as quickly as possible, but if your vehicle is damaged due to a natural disaster that is affecting many people in your area, your claim can be expedited.
Don’t drive your car
While it may be tempting to drive a car that has only suffered local damage due to the weather, it is important that you do not drive your car until it has been fully assessed by an insurance company. Frame damage and flood damage are often difficult to spot, and driving a car with these problems can endanger your safety and the safety of other drivers.
Drivers are better off waiting for a car to be fully assessed and inspected for damage before attempting to drive.
Assess the damage and value of your car
Even if you’re not an expert in vehicle damage, researching obvious damage costs can prepare you for how much your insurance will cover. It can also give you an idea of whether your car is considered a total loss or not when the cost of repairs is compared to the value of your car.
Typically, a car is considered a total loss when repairs to the vehicle account for approximately 75% of the vehicle’s current market value. But that number is fluid, and each state has different formulas for determining whether or not a vehicle is totaled.
make photos
In the smartphone age, we can take quick and detailed photos more than ever. Therefore, if your car has been damaged, it is important to get as many detailed pictures and videos as possible. If your car’s interior has been flooded, it’s important to take pictures and videos of the interior while it’s still wet. If your vehicle is smoking, take a video of the smoke so the adjuster can find the source of the smoke or fire. Pictures can help an adjuster make your claim as quickly as possible without overlooking hidden damages.
Be prepared to wait
After a major local weather-related incident, insurance companies are inundated with claims, so be prepared to wait longer than usual for an insurance claim. It can take several days or even weeks to complete your claim, but the steps above can help you expedite your claim and get back on the road as soon as possible!
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